Arts Around Alberni: We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you….

Don’t miss the Celebration of Light free family event at the Rollin Art Centre this Saturday, Dec. 1. Our event runs in conjunction with the Rotary Arts District’s “Light up your heART” event on the same night.

The grounds at the Rollin will be decorated with luminaries, lanterns and lights created by almost 500 local school children. Timbre Choir will be one of our special entertainers from 5:15–6 p.m.

Stroll the grounds and visit the outdoor gallery of artisans, or go inside and check out the Mistletoe Market.

Round two at McLean Mill

McLean Mill’s annual Christmas Village craft fair and festival of lights has one more weekend. With more than 25 artisans and crafters—many of them different from last weekend—showcased in Port Alberni’s historical McLean Mill cabins and visitor’s centre, it will be jam packed with items perfect for gift giving.

This old-time country setting is an extravaganza for the senses. Children of all ages can enjoy hay rides, photos with Santa and the ever popular Christmas colouring book tour.

Spend an afternoon listening to Christmas music from the Barkley Sounds Community Choir, conducted by Bonnie Wallbank, and Phil’s Harmonics String Orchestra, conducted by Philip Wallbank. Both groups will perform on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m. at the Arrowsmith Baptist Church.

Tickets are $10 and available at Rollin Art Centre, through choir and orchestra members and at the door. For more info please call Sylvia at 250-723-7185.

Mistletoe Market open

Mistletoe Market has begun at the Rollin Art Centre, and will continue until Dec. 22. Don’t miss this transformation of the gallery into a winter wonderland of treasures.

Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is located at the corner of Argyle Street and Eighth Avenue.

Learn the art of journaling

Room is still available for this exciting new workshop called, Art Journaling, presented by Cynthia Bonesky.

Use your paints and brushes, glue and scissors to create one-of-a-kind art pages.

Cost is only $50 for the two-day workshop, Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rollin Art Centre. A supply list will be available when you sign up.

Timbre! warms up for holidays

“Countdown to Christmas”, is the title of this year’s Timbre! Choir performance, taking place Saturday, Dec.r 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2:30 p.m. at the Alberni Valley United Church, featuring Sarah Hagen.

Tickets area available at Rollin Art centre, Somass Drugs, Echo Centre, and Salmonberry’s.

Traditional songs at Trinity

The public is invited to two evenings of traditional Christmas music at Trinity Church, 4766 Angus St. (at Fifth Avenue), featuring different musicians.

Dec. 7, hear the historic Organ Music of Christmas, featuring David Cox on the Allen organ.

Dec. 14, sing your heart out with your favourite Christmas carols.

Both events start at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation; please call 250-723-8362 for more information.

2012 banners available

If you are one of the lucky ones to have painted a banner for 2012, they are available for purchase now at the Rollin Art Centre for $25.

Coming up at Char’s Landing

Friday, Nov. 30, 8 p.m., The Big Mess.

Friday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m., Gary Fjellgaard with Saskia & Darrel.

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m., Joe Stanton.

Advance tickets available at Rollin Art Centre, cash only.

Fri/Sat/Sun 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., gallery is open with artist Richard Skipp.